Temporary Research Project Coordinator

About this role

Department SSD: Economics - Staff and Temporary Employees About the Department For over a century, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics has been recognized as one of the world's leading centers for economic research and education. The Department's faculty have received numerous awards, including more Nobel Prize laureates and John Bates Clark medalists in economics than any other university. Among our faculty are many members of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Econometric Society. Job Information Job Summary: The University of Chicago is seeking a highly organized and motivated Temporary Research Project Coordinator to oversee a large-scale field experiment studying labor market discrimination. This position combines project management, technical operations, and research administration in support of a multi-year academic research project. The role is well suited for candidates early in their careers, including recent master's graduates who have demonstrated strong organizational, technical, or project management skills. Candidates with additional relevant experience are also encouraged to apply. 

Directly reporting to Professor Evan Rose, the successful candidate will coordinate external vendors, manage complex project workflows, oversee the development and operation of custom software systems, and ensure the successful implementation of a large-scale research study. This is an ideal position for someone who enjoys solving organizational and technical problems, thrives in fast-paced environments, and is excited by the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge social science research. 

This temporary position offers the opportunity to build valuable experience in research administration. Depending on departmental needs, available funding, and performance, qualified candidates may be considered for future employment opportunities at the University of Chicago.

Responsibilities :   • Lead the day-to-day management of a large, complex field experiment involving multiple parallel workstreams.   • Coordinate and manage relationships with external vendors, contractors, and research partners.   • Develop project plans, implementation timelines, and systems to track milestones, deliverables, and project progress.   • Oversee the development, testing, deployment, and maintenance of custom software and research infrastructure used to conduct the experiment.   • Serve as the primary administrator and day-to-day operator of project software, ensuring research systems function reliably and efficiently.   • Configure,   maintain , troubleshoot, and improve software tools used to support study implementation, participant management, data collection, and quality assurance.   • Develop and   maintain   documentation for software systems, research protocols, and operational workflows.   • Monitor project progress and proactively   identify   and resolve operational, technical, and logistical challenges.   • Coordinate research activities to ensure adherence to study protocols and   high standards   of data quality.   • Organize meetings, track action items, and communicate project status, risks, and priorities to the research team. • Identify   opportunities to improve project efficiency through better processes, automation, and technology.   • Other related tasks.   ​

Competencies:   • Strong organizational and project management skills.    • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex tasks simultaneously while   maintaining   careful attention to detail.    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.    • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.    • Work independently, prioritize competing demands, and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.    • Demonstrated initiative and a proactive approach to   identifying   and resolving problems.    • Balance strategic planning with day-to-day operational execution.    • Adaptability and willingness to learn   new technologies   and processes.    • Work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment that combines research, technology, and project management.    • Commitment to developing efficient systems and processes that support high-quality research.  

Additional Responsibilities Education, Experience, or Certifications: Education:   • College   or university degree   r equired .   • Master's degree in economics, computer science, data science, statistics, public policy, information systems, engineering, or a related field; or a bachelor's degree with substantial relevant professional experience   p referred.  

Experience: • ≤   2 years of experience   r equired .   • 2   -   5   years of relevant professional experience   p referred.   • Demonstrated experience managing multiple priorities, projects, or operational responsibilities in a professional environment   r equired.  • Background in computer science, software engineering, data science, computational social science, or a   similar   technical field   preferred. • Managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders   p referred.   • Working closely with software developers or managing software development projects   preferred. • Administering or troubleshooting software systems in a production environment   p referred.   • Background with software testing, debugging, or quality assurance   p referred.   • Prior experience supporting academic research, randomized controlled trials, audit studies, or other large-scale research projects   p referred.   • Managing external vendors or contractor relationships   p referred.  

Technical Knowledge or Skills: • Demonstrated technical aptitude and the ability to quickly learn new software systems and technologies   r equired .   • Familiarity with Python, SQL, Git, APIs, cloud computing platforms, and modern software development workflows   p referred.   • Familiarity with databases, survey platforms, automated data collection systems, and other research tec

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